Wade, Heck, Mills now officially on the clock

“I think the greatest problem with the Astros right now is the manager. When a club displays this much mediocrity (if that’s the word) from their best hitters and as a unit, something is definitely amiss in the clubhouse.” — Robley.

When a team wins only 26 games out of 70, most people take aim at the manager. In the case of the Astros, most onlookers realize Brad Mills doesn’t have much to work with.

But, nearly halfway through the season with a 26-44 team, the manager has certainly become an influence and part of the equation. Some of the players who were unhappy last year aren’t much happier this year. In fact, you can argue that Roy Oswalt is the only key player from a year ago who’s contributing regularly this season. Lance Berkman (.237 average, .724 OPS), Carlos Lee (.223 average, .381 slugging percentage), Wandy Rodriguez (3-10, 6.09), Chris Sampson (22 appearances, 6.08 ERA) haven’t bounced back.

Honestly, the Brad Mills era is only just beginning though. With new blood like Jason Castro and Chris Johnson — can another infusion be far behind? — Ed Wade, Bobby Heck and Mills are now officially on the clock. Despite having their hands tied behind their backs, Wade and Heck have been at this rebuilding thing for a couple of years now.

Castro is the first draft choice of their era to make the pros and CJ is one of the few position players they’ve kept in the system from the old regime that is now making it to the bigs. Jason Bourgeois is also a product of the new regime and could factor into the new era.

Is it Brad Mills’ fault? Has he been on the job long enough to start getting some of the blame for this mess? Or would it actually be worse without him?

And, here’s an even bigger question: Does Cecil Cooper deserve some vindication? Think about it. Some of the issues that were predominant last season are still on the radar this season…and then some.

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 Bud Norris will make his third rehab start on Tuesday for Round Rock. While the first two rehab tuneups revealed a rusty Norris, he’s largely building arm strength.

The question, however, is this: Is Wandy Rodriguez pitching for his starting rotation spot this week? Or will the Astros simply move Brian Moehler back to the bullpen when Norris returns?

 With the release of Cory Sullivan, the Astros added another $400,000 to “write off” list. Houston is still on the hook for most of Kaz Matsui’s salary this year. In other words, the Astros are paying him roughly $750,000 a month to hit .233 with a .269 OBP for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Pedro Feliz ($4.5 million) is a leading contender to join that list if Johnson sticks. In case you’re wondering, there’s no way, however, the Astros will release Carlos Lee or even Brian Moehler.